Following an SA Cup season that saw them finish midtable, the EP Elephants are set to launch their 2025 Currie Cup First Division campaign against the Phangela SWD Eagles on Saturday, June 14, at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha.
Coach Allister Coetzee, in a recent interview on Bay FM’s Daron Mann Breakfast Show, expressed optimism about the team’s preparations as they aim for the First Division title and, hopefully, a return to the Currie Cup Premier Division.
The Elephants concluded their SA Cup campaign with four wins and five losses across nine matches, finishing seventh with 21 points. Despite missing the top four, they showcased attacking flair, scoring 35 tries, including a 41-15 win over the Border Bulldogs with seven tries.
Coetzee noted the challenges of transitioning to the First Division, with four players lost after the SA Cup. CJ Velleman, Jac van der Walt and JJ Scheepers have all returned to their home unions – Western Province, Griquas and the Pumas respectively – while Chris Humphries is unavailable due to work commitments.
“Preparations are going well, but it’s a bit different from the SA Cup,” he said. “We have new players still settling in, but I’m positive they’ll be ready for the first game.” Addressing the team’s attack vs. defense balance, Coetzee emphasized maintaining their flair while bolstering defensive technique. “Attack has always been our DNA—we’ve got more flair players than physical ones,” he explained. “But defense is about attitude and technique. We’re working hard on tackle entry to avoid yellow cards and aim to score four-plus tries while conceding fewer than four per game.”
Off the field, Coetzee highlighted progress at the boardroom level, with talks of constitutional changes to attract investors. “It shows progress—we need an equity partner to compete professionally and retain talent,” he said. “I’ve presented my plan to the board, and it’s up to them to make it happen financially. I’m cautiously optimistic.”
He also praised the appointment of the new General Manager, Mzi Mpofu, noting their aligned vision for the union’s future.
The Currie Cup First Division features six teams—EP Elephants, Phangela SWD Eagles, NovaVit Griffons, Leopards, Border Bulldogs, and Valke—with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on July 19 and then the final on July 26.
The Elephants’ fixtures are:
June 14: EP Elephants vs. Phangela SWD Eagles – Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
June 21: NovaVit Griffons vs. EP Elephants – Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom (15:00)
June 28: Leopards vs. EP Elephants – Glen Park, Potchefstroom (15:00)
July 5: EP Elephants vs. Border Bulldogs – Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
July 11: EP Elephants vs. Valke – Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha (15:00)
With three home games at Madibaz Stadium, the Elephants aim to harness home support. Coetzee urged fans to rally behind the team: “We need our supporters’ energy—let’s fill Madibaz Stadium and make EP Rugby proud.”
